What is Clinical Hypnotherapy and how can it help you?
Clinical Hypnotherapy is a modern, evidence-based therapeutic approach that uses well-researched techniques from Neuroscience, Psychology, Psychotherapy, CBT, and NLP to help individuals make meaningful, lasting positive changes, often in a relatively short period of time.
The approach is solution focused, future oriented, and gentle, supporting improvements in mental and emotional wellbeing by reducing anxiety and stress, changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours, and promoting a sense of calm and balance within the nervous system. In particular, Clinical Hypnotherapy helps regulate the sympathetic nervous system, reducing fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses.
Rather than dwelling on problems or repeatedly revisiting the past, Clinical Hypnotherapy focuses on what you want to achieve and how your life will improve as change occurs. This distinguishes it from more traditional therapies that primarily centre on problem analysis.
Where difficult or unpleasant experiences have occurred, they are acknowledged respectfully, while the therapeutic focus remains on:
- Understanding where you are currently
- Identifying where you would like to be
- Supporting you to make those changes needed to move forward
This structured approach enables long-term positive change, helping you fulfil your potential and improve your quality of life. Imagine feeling calmer, more confident, less anxious, and more in control on a daily basis realising the positive impact that would have on both you and those around you.
A Collaborative Process
Lasting change occurs when you are ready and motivated to make those changes. Clinical Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process, working with your goals, commitment, and willingness to engage with change. When you are prepared to approach your thoughts and behaviours differently, this form of therapy can be highly effective in supporting a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Fears and phobias
- Sleep difficulties
- Menopausal symptoms
- Low confidence and self-esteem
- Low mood
What to Expect from Therapy
Your journey begins with a 60 minute Initial Consultation. During this session, I gather relevant information to understand your current situation, your symptoms, and what you would like to achieve. From this, I develop a bespoke treatment plan and provide guidance on the number of sessions likely to be required. For many clients, this typically ranges between 6–12 sessions, depending on individual needs.
I also explain the latest neuroscience relating to how the conscious and subconscious mind work together, and how this can influence thoughts, beliefs, behaviours, and physical symptoms. Many clients report that this understanding alone brings significant relief and clarity.
Ongoing Sessions
Subsequent sessions are usually one hour in duration and are divided into two parts:
- Psychotherapy
We review progress, discuss changes you’ve noticed, and ensure therapy remains on track. You’ll be supported in developing a clear vision of your preferred future — one where your wellbeing, perspective, and quality of life have improved.
The emphasis is always on solutions and progress, rather than revisiting problems unnecessarily.
- Clinical Hypnosis
Each session concludes with guided hypnosis, allowing your subconscious mind to integrate and consolidate the therapeutic work completed during your session. This relaxed, focused state supports the development of new, healthier patterns of thinking and responding.
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, often referred to as “talking therapy,” encompasses a range of therapeutic approaches aimed at helping individuals manage stress, emotional difficulties, and life challenges. It involves confidential, supportive conversations designed to promote understanding, insight, and positive change.
When combined with hypnosis, psychotherapy becomes an especially effective and powerful therapeutic tool, enabling deeper subconscious change while remaining gentle and client led.
Finding the right therapist is an important part of achieving the best possible outcomes.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is often misunderstood. Some people believe it is something that is done to them — that a therapist simply hypnotises a problem away. In reality, hypnotherapy is a collaborative process that requires your active participation.
Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and deep relaxation, during which the mind becomes more receptive to positive and therapeutic suggestions. In a clinical setting, these suggestions are carefully designed to help reframe unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, support emotional regulation, and encourage healthier coping strategies.
Following sessions, the subconscious mind continues to process these suggestions over time, gradually implementing change in a way that supports your specific goals.
What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?
Hypnosis is a state we all experience naturally. For example:
- Becoming absorbed in a book or television programme losing track of time
- Driving on “autopilot” and not recalling your journey
- Experiencing a sense of flow during exercise or creative activity
Clients often describe hypnosis as calm and deeply relaxing yet powerful — similar to guided daydreaming. You remain aware of your surroundings and can hear everything that is said. Some clients drift into light sleep; others remain fully alert. There is no right or wrong response.
You may sit or lie down during hypnosis, depending on what feels most comfortable for you.
What Hypnosis Is Not
Hypnosis is not mind control. Contrary to portrayals in films or television:
- You cannot be hypnotised against your will
- You cannot get “stuck” in hypnosis
- You can bring yourself out of hypnosis at any time
Your subconscious mind will naturally reject any suggestion that does not feel appropriate or aligned with your values. Hypnosis is a safe, respectful, and a client-centred therapeutic process.